Boomers defeat Finland 98-72 in FIBA World Cup opener

The Boomers have demolished Finland in the opening game of their campaign for a maiden FIBA World Cup medal.

The Boomers have demolished Finland in their opening game of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, setting the tone for a tournament in which they hope to bring home a maiden World Cup medal.

Taking on a Finland squad known for their pace and physicality, led by Utah Jazz superstar Lauri Markannen, the Boomers had their work cut out for them early, but eventually ran away with the game 98-72.

The Boomers were reeling from the loss of star centre Jock Landale, who recently signed a 4-year, $50m contract with the Houston Rockets in the NBA.

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Landale was ruled out with a left ankle injury during a warm-up match with South Sudan in Melbourne ahead of the tournament, and scans showed “a lateral ankle ligament injury”.

He has been a journeyman for the best part of his professional career, but has been key for the Boomers in the lead-up to this World Cup, with his absence leaving Duop Reath the only bona-fide tall in the squad.

ESPN’s Neroli Meadows described it as a “massive, massive blow” for the Boomers, who take a squad that has nine players with NBA experience into this tournament, and will be hoping to take home a maiden World Cup medal.

Despite this, the Boomers imposed their will on the contest after a hesitant first half in which Finland took early initiative with their ball movement and pace.

The loss of Landale will be a significant challenge for the Boomers. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Josh Giddey starred, almost landing a triple-double on World Cup debut with 14 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Patty Mills returned to form with a game-high 25 points.

Forgotten son Dante Exum ran the floor with calmness under pressure, while Sixers young gun Matisse Thybulle continued as a defensive metronome on the wing.

It was not without concern for the Boomers, however - Joe Ingles remained the only successful player shooting from deep, and sustained a number of knocks that saw him momentarily subbed out throughout the contest.

Starting power forward Nick Kay also struggled, coming home with only four rebounds before coach Brian Goorjian opted to pursue a small-ball strategy in the face of his struggles.

ESPN’s Olgun Uluc called it a “smothering defensive effort”, noting that the Boomers’ defence allowed a combined 32 second half points.

The Boomers have been drawn in Group E, and face Germany on August 27 before playing Japan on August 29.

7.25pm - Boomers start to take control off back of forgotten hero

Australia’s long-forgotten golden boy, Dante Exum, has come out firing in the third term.

While Exum may only have 10 points to his name, his cool head under double-team pressure and ability to find teammates as he pulls Finland’s organised defence out of shape has been the key to the Boomers pulling out a game-high lead of 16 points.

The Boomers look firmly in control heading into the final term, with Exum’s control of the game the key.

ESPN’s John Casey described Exum as “the man in this third quarter”.

The Boomers have taken back control of the game!

Buckets from Ingles and Giddey have given Australia 5 point lead going into the halftime break.

Finland 40-45 Australia

Watch all the action live on ESPN 📺 #BOOMERS#FIBAWCpic.twitter.com/WfkeNm027H

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) August 25, 2023

7pm - Australians find rhythm as Slow-Mo Joe fires up

The Australians have found a rhythm on both sides of the ball, organising better behind Finland’s off-ball screens to be able to affect shots from deep.

Josh Giddey went behind the back and laid one off down the line for an and-one finish to Patty Mills late in the second quarter, which invigorated the Australians.

Boomers coach Brian Goorjian will not be without his concerns, with Matisse Thybulle picking up his third foul for a moment of ill-discipline off the ball with two minutes remaining before the major break.

“Slow-mo” Joe Ingles has also fired up, giving Goorjian a scare in the first term when he slipped over and fell underneath Finland star Markannen, with both players taking time to recover.

Ingles was later seen remonstrating with officials over the time taken to clean up the court and make it safe for play again.

Australia enter the half with their biggest lead of the game, the score 45-40, but the tension is palpable.

The Boomers have struggled from outside, going 29 per cent from beyond the arc.

The performance of Patty Mills has been the primary talking point - the two-time Gaze medallist has suffered a slump in form lately, but with a game-high 12 points at the half, is the pick of the Boomers.

Neroli Meadows on ESPN simply declared “Patty’s back” in response to Mills’ performance.

Patty starts where he left off!

Mills with the Boomers first points of the tournament!

Watch all the action live on ESPN 📺#BOOMERS#FIBAWCpic.twitter.com/VXiAlDmGPx

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) August 25, 2023

6.30pm - Finns take it to the Boomers

The Finns have proved they won’t take the third-ranked Boomers lying down, pushing the pace early and forcing Australia into a number of early loose fouls.

Finland led 21-17 at the end of the first quarter, and continue to lead Australia consistently, leading 32-25 with five minutes remaining in the second term.

Australia have struggled to find a rhythm in response to the Scandinavians’ swift movement and physicality, shooting 36 per cent from the field in comparison to Finland’s 44 per cent.

Josh Giddey has tried his best to put the Boomers on his back, but has found his attacking lanes squeezed as Finland target him in the lane.

Nkamhoua is bringing the swat game to a whole new level ⛔😯#WinForFinland 🇫🇮 I @basketfinlandpic.twitter.com/gjqnElc5gj

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023

6pm - Boomers step up with young side in maiden medal chase

Australia coach Brian Goorjian has named a young starting lineup, with Oklahoma City star and 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year Josh Giddey starting at the point for Australia.

He is joined by Atlanta Hawks guard Patty Mills at shooting guard, Matisse Thybulle at small forward, Nick Kay at power forward and Duop Reath at centre.

Finland coach Lassi Tuovi, the second youngest coach at this World Cup, has named Miro Little at point guard, Sasu Salin at shooting guard, Olivier Nkhamoua at small forward, Mikael Jantunen at power forward, and 2023 NBA All-Star Lauri Markannen at centre.

Markannen also took home the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award last year, and is the key to a Finland outfit that play with pace and swift ball movement.

Sasu Salin will also shape as significant for Finland, shooting 47% from deep at EuroBasket 2022.

Originally published as Boomers defeat Finland 98-72 in FIBA World Cup opener